Nectarine tree--`Scarlet Sun` cultivar

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of nectarine tree is provided that is named Scarlet Sun. The new cultivar originated from an open-pollinated peach seed of unknown parentage that was planted by the originator when seeking to develop new peach and nectarine cultivars of commercial potential primarily for California growing conditions. The new variety produces large freestone fruit with a high degree of bright red skin coloration. The harvest time is relatively early and commonly provides a crop suitable for commercial harvest from about June 15th to 25th when grown in central San Joaquin Valley of California near Fresno. The new cultivar offers improvements in fruit quality, color, and size over other freestone nectarine cultivars maturing at approximately the same time. For instance, the new cultivar is proposed as a superior alternative to the Sunfre nectarine cultivar (non-patented in the United States) that currently is harvested in approximately the same season when grown in the stone-fruit production areas of Washington State.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a new and distinct nectarinecultivar that originated as a chance seedling in the nursery of H. P.Metzler & Sons, Inc. located at the corner of Del Rey and JeffersonAvenues in Del Rey, Calif. It was the goal of the originator to discoverand select new peach and nectarine cultivars from populations ofopen-pollinated seedlings that are particularly suited for commercialuse under California growing conditions. In the pursuit of this goal theoriginator routinely grew out open-pollinated seed collected in bearingorchards of successful peach and nectarine commercial cultivars.

Available records indicate that the seed that resulted in the formationof the new cultivar of the present invention is believed to have beencollected during the winter of 1979 from Row No. 32 of an otherwiseundesignated block of peach and nectarine trees growing in the samenursery of H. P. Metzler & Sons, Inc. Further information concerning theorigin of the seed is not available, and the parentage of the newcultivar of the present invention is unknown.

The fruit of the new nectarine cultivar of the present invention wasfirst observed during June, 1981, and its distinctiveness waspreliminarily ascertained by originator. Had the originator not planted,discovered and preserved the original tree of the new cultivar it wouldhave been lost to mankind.

It was found that the new nectarine tree of the present invention:

(a) forms attractive early-maturing fruit having a generally uniformlylarge size wherein approximately 75 to 90 percent of the skin is brightred in coloration.

(b) forms firm, crisp, highly-flavored yellow freestone flesh ofexcellent quality having a small amount of red tinging, and

(c) exhibits a spreading and slightly upright growth habit.

Historically higher prices commonly are received by growers who are ableto supply quality fruit to the early-season flesh fruit market.Accordingly, new cultivars that are able to meet this need are in greatdemand. It generally is recognized to be difficult with existingvarieties for growers to produce nectarines of a large size early in theharvest season because of the relatively short time in which to achievematurity.

The new cultivar is capable of producing a quality nectarine harvesthaving a large fruit size that matures early in the harvest season. Forinstance, when grown at Del Rey, Calif., fruit maturity dates ofapproximately June 15th to 25th commonly are observed, and when grownnear Maryhill, Wash., fruit maturity dates of July 15th to 25th commonlyare observed.

The previously available Sunfre nectarine cultivar (non-patent in theUnited States) is a public release from the USDA and commonly is grownin the stone fruit production areas of Washington State. The newcultivar of the present invention is being proposed as a superioralternative for growers of the Sunfre cultivar that commonly isharvested in approximately the same season. For instance, the Sunfrecultivar is recognized to be deficient in size, color, and finish undersome growing conditions. A test planting that includes the Sunfrecultivar and the new cultivar of the present invention has shown thatthe fruit of the new cultivar ripens approximately three to five dayslater than the Sunfre cultivar, has a larger fruit size, has a greaterdegree of red coloration, and possesses a better finish on a reliablebasis. The fruit flesh of the new cultivar possesses low acidity. Thefruit skin tenaciously adheres to the flesh.

Under the direction of the originator, the new cultivar was firstasexually propagated in the spring of 1982 by budding onto Nemaguardpeach seedlings, by technicians at the Del Rey, Calif. growing area ofH. P. Metzler & Sons, Inc. Additionally, in 1985, wood from the originaltree was top-grafted onto an existing scion orchard of Agri-Sun Nurseryat the corner of Clarkson and Temperance Avenues, near Selma, Calif.Through observation over a twelve-year period, the characteristics ofthe asexually reproduced trees, including both the budded andsubsequently top-grafted trees, have proven to be identical to those ofthe selected nectarine seedling of the present invention.

The new cultivar initially was designated 32-79-14. The new cultivar ofthe present invention subsequently was named the Scarlet Sun cultivar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying photograph shows specimens of foliage and mature fruitof the new cultivar as depicted in color as nearly true as it ispossible to make the same in a color illustration of this type. Allspecimens were obtained from the first generation top-grafted trees ofthe Scarlet Sun cultivar growing near the corner of Clarkson andTemperance Avenues, near Selma, Calif. The specimens were harvested onJun. 20, 1993. At the lower right portion of the photograph the fruit isdivided along the suture plane to show the flesh color and freeness ofthe stone. The photograph was taken on Jun. 24, 1993.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of the new cultivar that isbased upon observation of first generation grafted trees of the newScarlet Sun cultivar growing at Del Rey, Calif. Color designations arepresented while using The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal HorticulturalSociety, London, England.

TREE

Size: Vigorous.

Growth habit: Spreading and slightly upright.

Productivity: Excellent.

Cropping: Consistent, and heavy.

Trunk:

Diameter.--Medium.

Surface texture.--Normal.

Color.--Grey-Brown Group 199A.

Lenticels.--Erumpant, approximately 10 to 12 per square inch.

Branches:

Diameter.--Medium.

Surface texture.--Normal.

Lenticels.--Erumpant, approximately 12 to 14 per square inch.

Bark: On the current year's growth, the bark at the distal one-third isYellow-Green Group 144C in coloration. On the sun-exposed surfaces, ared to brownish coloration is evident. This varies from Greyed-Red Group178C on the new shoots to Greyed-Orange Group 172A on the intermediateportions of the new growth. The basal portions of the current season'sgrowth have rugose, vertically oriented, slightly raised bark nettingthat is Greyed-Orange Group 165B and Greyed-Orange Group 166B incoloration, randomly dotted with horizontally oriented ovoid-shapedraised lenticels of Greyed-Orange Group 164C. Both the bark netting andthe raised lenticels decrease distally in occurrence. The distalone-third commonly is substantially lacking in netting and raisedlenticels, and the basal one-third commonly is nearly completely coveredwith netting and lenticels. On the previous year's growth, the bark isalmost completely covered with rugose netting of Greyed-Orange Group166B, and there are numerous raised medium-sized elliptical lenticels ofGreyed-Orange Group 164A with occasional patches of glabrous bark. Oldbark on the trunk and limbs is smooth and not shiny, lacks the nettingpattern, commonly is Greyed-Orange Group 177A to 177B in coloration andpossesses numerous raised medium-sized elliptical lenticels ofGreyed-Orange Group 164A.

Leaves:

Size.--Medium.

Length.--Average approximately 41/2 inches (11.43 cm) to approximately43/4 inches (12.07 cm.) on current season's growth.

Width.--Average approximately 11/4 inch (3.18 cm.) to approximately 11/2inch (3.81 cm.) on current season's growth.

Shape.--Lanceolate.

Marginal form.--Simply serrate and occasionally compoundly serrate.

Color.--Upper; Yellow-Green Group 146A. Lower: Yellow-Green Group 146B.

Petiole.--Length: Averages approximately 7/16 inch (1.11 cm.). Width:Averages approximately 1/16 inch (0.16 cm.).

Glands.--Small, commonly varying from opposite to alternate on eitherside of the petiole.

Shape.--Reniform.

Dormant flower buds:

Size.--Small.

Diameter.--Approximately 5/16 inch (0.79 cm.).

Length.--Approximately 3/8 inch (0.95 cm.).

Shape.--Round, and slightly elongated.

Flowers:

Date of bloom.--Approximately March 2nd to 6th at Del Rey, Calif.

Size.--Large.

Type.--Showy.

Petals.--Average approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm.). in length andapproximately 3/4 inch (1.91 cm.) in width at anthesis.

Color.--Outer edge of the petal commonly is Red-Purple Group 62C and thecenter and the base of the petal commonly is Red-Purple Group 62A.

FRUIT

Maturity: Normally ready for commercial harvest in the central SanJoaquin Valley at Del Rey, Calif. from June 15th to 25th.

Size: Uniformly large.

Axial diameter.--Approximately 23/4 inches (6.99 cm.) to approximately 3inches (7.62 cm.).

Transverse diameter in suture plane.--Approximately 23/4 inches (6.99cm.) to approximately 3 inches (7.62 cm.).

Transverse diameter at right angle to suture plane.--Approximately 21/2inches (6.35 cm.) to 27/8 inches (7.30 cm.).

Form: Uniform and symmetrical. Ovoid to slightly ovate, slightlycompressed transversely towards the suture (approximately 1/4 inch or0.64 cm.). Occasionally with slightly unsymmetrical sides (approximately1/8 inch or 0.32 cm.).

Suture.--Distinct, smooth, and shallow (maximum depression approximately1/8 inch or 0.32 cm.). Extends from base to apex approximately 41/4inches (10.80 cm.) with a slightly marked depression on ventral side ofthe pistil point. Almost entirely inconspicuous on ventral surface.

Ventral surface.--Rounded, and non-lipped.

Stem cavity.--Flaring, and slightly elongated in suture plane withsuture occasionally showing on both sides. Depth: Approximately 1/2 inch(1.27 cm.). Width in Suture Plane: Approximately 7/8 inch (2.22 cm.).Width at Right Angle to Suture Plane: Approximately 3/4 inch (1.91 cm.).Apex: Rounded and mammiform, occasionally cuneate. Base: Rounded tooccasionally slightly truncate. Pistil point: Slightly depressed yetapical.

Stem:

Size.--Approximately 7/16 inch (1.11 cm.) in length and approximately1/8 inch (0.32 cm.) in caliper.

Character.--Glabrous surface, with strong to medium adherence to thestone.

Skin:

Surface texture.--Glabrous with slightly waxy cuticle.

Adhesion.--Tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Pubescence.--None.

Color.--Over approximately 75 to 90 percent of the skin red, Red Group46A on darkest most sun-exposed surface of the fruit to Red Group 46B onless exposed surfaces.

Ground color.--Yellow-Orange Group 21A.

Lenticels.--Inconspicuous, and occasionally slightly conspicuous nearbasal end.

Flesh:

Color.--Yellow-Orange Group 16B with slight red mottling up toapproximately 1/2 way through the flesh from the pit when over-mature,with occasional red mottling of Red Group 46B next to stone on thedorsal side near the base only on highly colored fruits, and commonlyscattered red mottling in approximately 10 to 25 percent of the flesh.

Surface of stone cavity.--Rough.

Color of the pit cavity.--Yellow-Orange Group 16B, and slightly pink ina few areas where red mottling is next to stone.

Juice.--Rich, abundant, and mildly acidic.

Texture.--Firm and crisp when harvested, meaty, buttery, and meltingwhen eating-ripe.

Fibers.--Few, fine, and inconspicuous.

Ripening.--Two to three pickings commonly are required from June 15th to25th at Del Rey, Calif.

Flavor.--Mild, low acid, rich, full-flavored, and excellent.

Aroma.--Pronounced.

Eating quality.--Best.

Stone:

Type.--Semi-free from flesh when eating-ripe, adheres slightly to theflesh over the entire surface of the furrows only, and the tops of theridges commonly are totally free.

Fibers.--Medium in length, commonly free on ridges when eating ripe, andcommonly clinging in furrows.

Size.--Axial length: Approximately 15/8 inches (4.13 cm.). Transversewidth in suture plane: Approximately 11/4 inch (3.18 cm.). Transversethickness at right angle to suture plane: Approximately 7/8 inch (2.22cm.).

Form: Variable, and stronly to slightly obovoid and necked.

Apex.--Cuneate.

Base.--Variable, broad and truncate to nearly oblique.

Stem adhesion surface.--Small, round, and approximately 1/8 inch indiameter (0.31 cm.).

Sides.--Equal, somewhat flattened toward suture plane, and commonly morebroadly curved along the dorsal edge than along the ventral edge.

Surface.--Irregularly furrowed toward the apex and the dorsal edge andnear ventral edge, and commonly pitted from base to above the center.

Ridges.--Ragged ridge apices toward apex of stone and along ventraledge, and rounded ridge apices toward the base of the stone to above thecenter.

Pits.--Mostly elongated, and occasionally circular.

Dorsal edge.--Full, with deep, moderately broad groove toward base toabove center, commonly with interrupted ridges on either side.

Ventral edge.--Moderately thick, with deep, narrow grooves throughout,and slightly winged toward the base.

Use: Commercial fresh market, dessert and culinary.

Keeping quality: Good. Fruit has kept in cold storage from three to fourweeks without noticeable deterioration.

Resistance to insects: Comparable to other commercial cultivers grown inarid fruit growing regions of the United States. The performance inhumid growing regions has not yet been evaluated.

Resistance to diseases: Comparable to other commercial cultivars grownin arid fruit growing regions of the United States. The performance inhumid growing regions has not yet been evaluated.

Shipping quality: Good to excellent dur to firm, crisp flesh and thetenacious adherence of the flesh to skin.

Although the new cultivar of nectarine tree possesses theabove-described characteristics as a result of the growing conditions atDel Rey, Calif., it is to be expected that variations of the usual typeand magnitude many appear that are caused by differences in growingconditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control and other horticulturalpractices when the new cultivar is grown in different environments.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of nectarine cultivar, havingthe following combination of characteristics.(a) forms attractiveearly-maturing fruit having a generally uniformly large size whereinapproximately 75 to 90 percent of the skin is bright red in coloration.(b) forms firm, crisp, highly-flavored yellow freestone flesh ofexcellent quality having a small amount of red tinging, and (c) exhibitsa spreading and slightly growth habit;substantially as herein shown anddescribed.